Florida International University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Patrick

Just accept who you are and don't be scared to go for what you really want in life. You're only going to hurt yourself in the process by giving into fear. Love who you are and everyone else will follow. Learn to stop caring about people who really don't care about you. And also, you are hilarious. Embrace that. You matter in other people's lives, so stop thinking otherwise.

Nicole

If I was a high school senior all over again I would try applying for my scholarships, college is not cheap. I would tell myself to look into more colleges, not just the ones close to home and with the characteristics that I was looking for. My school is beautiful, has so many opportunities, is really into the learning environment and do a lot of different things to encourage the students to study, learn and to motivate them. But there could have been other choices. Don't procastinate, I am struggling at the moment to get thigns done that I could have had done months ago. Do things right when they are announced, don't wait.

Maylin

Leaving to college was just as hard for me as for anyone else, I suppose. However, I found myself in a very interesting situation, I wasn't just transitioning from one school to another, in the same state. No, I wasn't even staying in the same country. I went to high school on a military base, in England, and I had to leave all my friends behind knowing I'd probably never see most of them again. Looking back, I would tell myself that everything was going to be alright, that there were plenty of people that would find me interesting enough to talk to, and not to be afraid of talking to strangers rather than eating alone those first few days. Then I would remind myself, that I pay for this school for my own education, so I need to ignore all the kids from private schools telling me some classes weren't as important, and focus more in math so I wouldn't feel as stressed about my grade when finals rolled around. Don't listen to people saying it's pointless or too easy, just work hard, because in the end, its your education, not theirs.

Casie

The advice I would give myself is simple. Reach out and make a better effort to make friends. I have always been sort of a loner. In college that makes it a bit more challenging. It's better to be able to communicate with people in your classes and around campus. I am a quiet person, and therefore am rarely approached by others. If I could have learned sooner how to be more open, I think college life could have been a little easier.

Nicolas

I would say to move to Florida for the final two years of high school so that I could save up money and have the very important in-state residency that saves the students of Florida so much more money than what I am currently spending on tuition! Nearly 3 times as much which really adds up and puts an unnecessary financial burden that dampers the university experience.

Genesis

Hi, Genesis! I know you are nervous, and I know you are going through a very tough time. Breathe and stay calm- you are a smart girl and everything will turn out better than you except. My advice to you is this: take it one day at a time, don't be afraid to ask for help because you will need it, study very hard and it will pay off, take time to meet people and make connections, allow yourself to grow personally and academically. Attend more events at your college because they'll help you meet people and are a great way to unwind. Go to career fairs to get a taste of what is to come. GO SEE YOUR ADVISORS. FIU has some of the greatest advisors; they will give you much needed pep talks and help you graduate. All your experiences, good and bad, are a stepping stones to a better you. And please always remember you are smart and capable and deserve all the happiness in the world... as long as you believe that college will be much, much easier. Have fun!

Ariana

Have a lot of patience when learning your new campus. Make as many friends as you can early in college because late on it may be too difficult to make friends. You will be very busy most of the time but make sure you do not wait until the last minute to write a ten page essay. Try to speak to your teachers as much as possible in person so that they will remember you later when you need something.

LaTonya

LaTonya, you need to know that college is not easy. You're going to have to pay for stuff now and you have to be SEVERAL, not one, but SEVERAL steps ahead of everything. I see you're taking your time with applying for FAFSA, waiting last minute for scholarship deadlines, and when you get to college you're going to be so stressed with how you're going to pay for your first semester. If you don't speed up your process you're going to spend more time in the Financial Aid office than class and still not get any of the help that you are perfectly qualified for. On top of that, your grades aren't going to be what you expected. No Dean's List for you. Heck, you won't even be able to apply for the 3.0 Club. You have to be SMART about how you handle life before and after high school graduation or else you will also be looking back at what you did and seeing how effortlessly stupid you were.

Katherine

I transferred from Barry University in fall 2009 to Florida International University, needless to say I felt lost. It was so hard for me to adjust. My advisors were not much help and I was feeling insecure about many things including my major. My advisors had mentioned to me a few services available like psychological services but I ignored it. My stresses started affecting my academics and I decided to make an appointment at psychological services. I wish I would have not ignored it when it first came my way. They helped me deal with my academic and social stress. I also became more empowered to take control in my academic courses and I joined an extracurricular club: Budokon Yoga Club. My counselor helped me get back on track. I am currently shadowing an Occupational therapist, because that is the career I plan on pursuing and I am looking forward in applying to graduate schools this summer! So if you feel lost, insecure, or stressed I definitely recommend checking out Psychological Services Department! Do not be ashamed to go, you do not want it to affect your academics or yourself.

Stephen

Stephen, no matter how much you plan out your future, you will never be fully prepared for what the future may bring you. You believe you are headed off towards a successful career as a U.S. Marine, I do not want to scare you, but make you aware of the ever uncertain future, the first week of March of 2011 your life will forever change. You will not already be enlisted the U.S. Marines nor will you ever be in any branch of the military because you will get in a car wreck and your spine will become damaged and your life will forever be more different than you could ever imagine. So Stephen, do yourself a favor and instead of always living for tomorrow, learn to live also for today because the future is not guaranteed. You are finishing your high school career 6 months earlier than most, you are going to have more free time than most people your age and the clock is ticking, you have until March 3rd of next year before you go through the most agonizing pain in your life, not just phyically but emotionally. Live for each day and love, Stephen.

Salvation

I would let them know, that their are many opportunities out there, nd we should take advantage of them, especially scholarships and grants to help out for school tutitions. I would encourage them to stay in school, and start planning ahead for their future careers and dreams. I would encourage them to ask Questions if they don't understand.

Tayler

As a high school senior, I had the opportunity to take dual-credit math and english for free but i turned down both of the offers. Now that I am in college and know how expensive tuition is, i would have told my high school self to take those two classes. my study habits in high school were not the best either. If I would have known the amount of studying that comes along with college, my high school self would have gotten into a better routine of studying. Overall, the best advice I would have given my high school self is to take education much more seriously.

Caroline

Hey relax, I understand that it's confusing, with all the teachers describing so many seemingly different pictures of college. And I know that you are at the peak of frustration. But college is just another school year; your anxious your first day and confused about where your classes are. Yet by the end of the second nine weeks (a semester), you’ll know exactly which teachers (which we now call professors) to look out for, and all the shortcuts in the school. Right now keep doing what your doing; continue writing those essays, keep harassing your teachers for as those letter of recommendations. Don’t worry if you’re unsure about the future just know that you have one; which will stay bright as long as you continue to beat Senioritis. Also don't forget to enjoy your time as a senior, learn to love life and live it while you can, make close friends within minutes, act silly in front of strangers. And when you walk down the hall, walk tall because you should always have pride in where you come from and where you’ll be. When you go to college you'll be ready, I promise.

Lyzbeth

Marry a millionaire.

Melissa

As a high school senior I was so anxous to leave home and be independent, like every other senior. The moment after my family left and I was left with my roomate alone, for good, was one of the scariest and happiest moment of my teenage life. After my first year I learned alot on how I could have came to college more prepared. I wish I had taken more time to study the few AP exams I didn't pass just to save that extra money from taking the actual class (trust me it adds up) . On top of that I didnt take applying for scholorships as seriously as I should have, and now the consicences are biting me in the butt. Finding tution help is out there you just need time to find it. Time management is in my opinion the key to success in college, organizing my time better would have helped me survive my first year without all the stress. The point is even though college in structure is more relaxed, staying on top of your things (even the little things like an assignment) is the key to enjoying your new found freedom.

Ibelise

Don't look back. The good life is just up the road, hold on and stay positive. Things may get hard, and you may feel like giving up, or calling it quits, but its not the end of the world. If you think highschool was hard, wait til you spend hours re-reading that damn chapter, all for a better future. All for you. Things come and go, friends come and go, nothing is permanent; I'm sorry. It really sucks sometimes but other times you feel like a million bucks, because maybe spending hours re-reading that chapter made a big difference in that exam last week, maybe losing those friends will open new opportunities, new things to learn, new places to go. Always keep an open mind, and don't ever let anybody tell you otherwise, life isn't long enough for that. Don't be afraid to take big steps and always be humble. This may sound funny, but I promise, college isn't like the movies, it's better. Never forget, "Nothing is permanent in this wicked world. Not even our troubles". Go see the world in all it's glory.

giuliano

Giuliano, right now you're weighing your options. You're thinking to yourself, "what should i study?" and "should i leave my education behind for 2 years and serve a mission?". What I can tell you is that you made the best decisions, given what you knew then. I know now why you chose what you did, and I'm grateful. You will do great, but you'll be alittle nervous and anxious at times - dont worry. In the future, you're going to see how everything falls into place. You'll return home from your 2 year absence and pickup where you left off, with a few more challenges and trials to strengthen your character. Luckily for you, you'll meet a beautiful woman who is actually an alumni of the school I'm currently attending. She'll help you, comfort you and encourage you to do your best (even though we haven't always during our highschool years, right?). We struggled. We were underachievers. We are meant for so much more. Whether or not you're successful is completely up to you. If you dedicate yourself, and rearrange your priorities (*cough* less computer time), you'll go far!

Jonathan

Yo, me, makesure you study more for the ACT. Don't lie to yourself, you didn't study. You scored pretty well for going in cold, but you should probably study. Also, make sure you enjoy your last year at SPHS, you'll miss it a lot and you'll miss your friends. Be sure you really consider all of your college options. Pros and cons dude. Pros and cons. Make sure you really think about it. Really. Think. Also, for the love of all that's holy, please ask Korey to prom in a cooler/more romantic way. Good luck and God's speed.

Tanya

As a high school senior, I believed my life would not change drastically by attending college. For this reason, I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships because they are very needed. I would tell myself to commit myself to the community because for every program or scholarship, your community involvement is very important. The biggest issue with college life is money; therefore, I would tell myself to save every bit of money I can because having the most fashionable and expensive clothes is not as important as getting a college education. The transition is very difficult if your are not able to affort your schooling, which is something you don't realize until you actually see the bills, the tuitions, and book fees. Knowing how to find money for college is the only advice I would give myself because that's what has been the hardest.

Becky

College is what you make of it. Just how life can be difficult or easy, depending on your attitude towards it, college is also based on choices you make. As always you will think that you have to make your own mistakes to learn, but for once take the advice. The day will come when the one person who truly loved you, pushed you and supported you is gone, and you will think you are ok. It will be hard but you will need to push yourself, pick yourself up, and seek help. Help is the key to your transition to a different life in new surroundings, into college. You need to let it all out and start with a clean slate. If you succeed in helping yourself, college will be what you will need the most in life. College can be made into your new beginning.

John

College is a topic that can shatter many nerves. An individual does not know what to expect. Meeting a variety of people and moving away from home is a challenge, but if it helps progress your future do not worry about it. I remember my senior year like it was yesterday. I was so unsure of what I would want to do with my life and what would be my next step. In retrospect, I would have told the old me to be more profound with decision making. Community college has helped me reach goals to further my plans to a degree. I may not know exactly what I want to pursue, but finding the city to go to has been decided recently. Staying in school helps you figure out your future which I would tell my old self. I would also tell myself that college life can be like high school at times. You are your own individual around people who are around your age, older, or younger. Assignments can be stressful, yet when you apply key concepts of time management then the sky is the limit. College is not a demise; it is a blessing for improvement.

Natasha

I would have loved to live on campus to experience the "real" college life. I feel I missed out on a lot of extra-curricular activities that are part of the college life, because I had to commute and I worked full time.

Alison

I would advise myself to become emersed in the true "College Experience". It is important to join different organizations, especially those related to the fields that are of interest. Also, it is important to take time and get to know your professors.

Laura

Knowing what I know now, I would advise myself to really think about what I wanted to spend my life doing, if they class is too hard and not enjoyable dont make that your career. I would also advise myself that things you do in college really do help you when looking for a career. Research organizations on campus that could help my future, like clubs or honor societys. Finally I would discuss that getting into college means you are an adult and altough it may seem scary sometimes it is more benifical to choose part time jobs that may not pay wall or be as enjoyable as others but they can impact your resume.

Veronica

I believe it is difficult to decide what you want to be for the rest of your life when you are eighteen years old and freshly out of college. I feel this is the reason most students change their majors while in college. Personally, I wish I would have discovered how rewarding the health care field was when I was a high school senior. I could have taken electives that were related to the subject and gained more knowledge. If I would have gained interest about this subject when I was younger, I would have been more inclined to starting my college education with that major and would not have had to change it. Changing majors is difficult, time-consuming, financially stressful, and frustrating. The transition into college itself was rather simple for me. I already had the idea that it would consist of fully independent work and self-discipline. My grades were always high, so I knew that academically, I would be likely to succeed. My only downfall was electing my degree, and as a result, I wish I would have followed the medical field path from the start.

jeanelle

As a high school senior, some advice I would have benefitted from hearing from myself is to prepare more. For the most part, I had very easy classes my senior year because I was basically finished with my academic courses and only needed elective courses. Living in Miami, this time was filled with many beach days and outings with friends. If I could talk to myself in senior year, I would make sure to prepare for aspects such as college applications, scholarship applications, course selection, etc. Also, I would have suggested maintaining student-professor relationships as well as taking advantage of all of the perks and being more involved in extra curriculars activities available, not to mention the diverse academic programs in college. The only difficult thing about the transition in academics is not taking the work load for granted because it is definitely not what high school students are used to. Keeping up with reading assignments and weekly studying is actually necessary in college. The last thing to know about the transition is that advisors don't always help, personal research about where you plan to take your coursework and career is necessary. Stay on top of things!

Kaneeka

Kaneeka you are young ,vibrant and full of potential, you have the choice and options to become anything you can possibly think of. Believe me, now is your time to set life goals for yourself, I know it's hard on you to lose both of your parents and stay as strong minded as you are and i commend you for not falling into the "in crowd" or being influenced by people with bad intentions. Please maintain your good grades and i promise you that it all will be worth it. Not only will it be rewarding to you on your mission to success but it will also help motivate your fellow peers. Just to see a young lady as young self stay on track without having the restrictions or guidance of your parents and having self control of your decisions and your education is very heart warming. Go after whatever it is you want and you will exceed all expectations and you will be successful in life. I hope you take my advice serious and accomplish everything that you set out to do. Good luck even thou i kind of have a feeling that you will be something great.

Jael

There is not a most accurate way of learning and understanding life than living it. I mean no one can really know which is the better method or way to pass through it other than experiencing it oneself. But, if at some point in reality’s time and space I would be able to go back to my high school senior year and advice myself about college life and its transition, I would be very much privileged. Perchance, I would have packed cargo of wholesale Chinese instant soup bowls and pens. Looking back, I would have searched and applied to plenty of scholarships. It is not easy to pay for transportation, living expenses, and books. Even with financial aid, money is limited to pay a student’s personal needs. A job solves it, but time turns out to be more valuable at the college rather than for a minimum wage. Dealing with school and work could become too stressful. I would have also found a job as early as high school freshman year and start saving money since then. Lastly, volunteering is key and more of that helps too. I always thank God I did dual enrollment--- a must.

Sophia

The advice I would provide to myself is to stay focus more in school, and that earning a high GPA pays off. Also, to take on more rigorous curriculums with honor courses and AP courses.

Lilian

Education is an essential part of your life and how you approach it determines the College you will attend and the outlook of your future. Focus in your classes and strive to be the best in all you do. By maintaining a good grade point average you will be more likely to receive better opportunities in the College you decide to attend. Choose a University that represents you and that you feel comfortable attending. Research the top schools in regards to the degree you are seeking. You have an opportunity to receive an education that will enrich your life and benefit you. Search for opportunities to experience college life while being a Senior, possibly dual enrollment and be prepared by filling out your FAFSA early to have the chance to begin college in the summer after graduation. In my opionion, Florida International University has a great academic program and a variety of degree programs are offered. Following high school I began Miami Dade and received my Associate in Arts degree and transferred to FIU and I am currently pursuing my Bachelors. I want the best for myself and you should too, you deserve it.

Tahimi

I would tell myself not to worry. That even though life is unfair a lot of times, everything truly does happen for a reason. Yes, you will have days where you absolutely hate your life, and you'd wish everything in it could just stop so you can take a breath, but these are the days where you must remain the strongest. The transition is going to be difficult, whether you end up where you want to be or not, but you have to know that whatever the case may be, it is meant to be. I know what it's like to end up somewhere you don't want to be, but you just have to make the best of the situation and pull through for yourself because if there's one thing I've learned in life is that whatever is meant to be will be and whatever happens happens for a reason - whether we know it or not. You just have to make the best of every situation life throws at you, and keep your head held high and trust that the choices you make are not only your own, but are for your benefit as well.

Jasmyn

If I could go back in time and speak to my high school self, I would tell her not to worry so much about going to college and that it's not the "scary place" that her high school teachers warned her about. I would tell her that even though some of her friendships would change or end during her college years, I would tell her that even better friends were on the horizon. I would tell her that even though she feels "left behind" when it comes to dating and boys, the fact that she is single will serve as a major advantage, as not being tied down would give her the chance to do many cool things and accomplish many of her goals. I would finally tell her that FIU is the perfect place for her, and she would make a major impact upon the University in many ways as long as she faces obstacles with an open mind and keeps treating her peers with an open heart.

Andrea

Some good advice that I would tell myself as a high school senior would be to ask alot of questions. Ask your family who have been to college what it was like. Ask them to teach you tips on cooking, cleaning, staying organized, managing time, staying on track, keep up with grades, make sure you prioritize, and learn how to balance school with fun time. I would make sure to mention that it is very important to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Most importantly I would say enjoy every second of it and work hard.

Emily

IF I COULD GO BACK TO BEING A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR, I WOULD BE WORKING A LOT HARDER THAN I DID AT THAT TIME TO BE ABLE TO TRANSFER TO A FOUR YEAR UNIVERSITY. I JUST GRADUATED NURSING SCHOOL FOR LVN FROM A PRIVATE COLLEGE WHICH I REALLY ENJOYED. I AM NOW WANTING TO CONTINUE WITH SCHOOL AND RECEIVE MY RN AND POSSIBLY MOVE FORWARD AND BECOME A NURSE ANESTHETIST. I AM OLDER NOW AND I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I WANT, HOWEVER IF I WAS STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL I WOULD TELL MYSELF THAT EVEN THOUGH I DONT KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE, ATLEAST CONTINUE TO WORK HARD AND START ON MY GENERAL EDUCATION. SCHOOLS ARE EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE NOW AND WAITING LISTS ARE CRAZY LONG WHICH IS WHY I WISH I WOULD HAVE STARTED EARLIER. I AM VERY MOTIVATED NOW AND KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I WANT TO DO IN LIFE. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE NURSING WHICH IS WHY I'M DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES TO CONTINUE WITH MY EDUCATION.

natalia

Dont worry about the future. Focus on today and immediate tomorrow. Trying to plan excessively is only going to drive you crazy. Do not let the words of others get in the way of your dreams and aspirations. If your mind and spirit says you can do it, then you can. Despite whatever circumstances may come your way, keep stong and focus your eyes on God. He will lead your way. If your going to college, go all the way, dont stop, because time will pass regardless if you settle for being a nurse or go all the way and become a doctor. Pray alot, and never give up!!!! You can do it!!!! :)

Kimberly

“Explore fields that compliment your talents.” Those are the exact words I would use to advice myself senior year of high school. Throughout the years of high school we are pressured to make perfect grades, maintain out GPAs up to par, and join as many extracurricular activities as possible all while exercising the minimum amount of possible sleep. The general high school education preps us for our future career, but what good is the preparation of it when we haven’t even explored our talents that will lead us, if not narrow our career and major options? While few colleges have the choice of “undeclared” major, by the end of a student’s first year in college he must declare a major. We engage in all this prepping in high school for our future, but often get distracted about the purpose of this education: a career. If I could go back to high school I’d advise myself to explore fields that I’m interested in and shadow several different individuals in occupations that I’m interested in so that I could narrow down my options in both my selection of majors and careers.

Lisa

If I was a senior in high school I would make sure to tell myself don't give up, be positive and do what is right for you. Don't let people put you down or steer you in the wrong direction. Instead of always making everybody else in your life happy take care of yourself and allow yourself to have a bright future, go to college and make something of yourself, and be proud of yourself.

Michelle

I’ve often wondered what I would change if I had a chance to go back in time and give my high school senior self some words of advice. To begin, I would tell my self to cherish each and every final moment of high school. More importantly, I would tell myself to befriend student who I knew were going to the same college as me. That way you don’t feel so alone, or scared when you first arrive for your freshman fall semester. I would inform my high school self to get better aquatinted with my future college home for the next four years, rather than just relying on learning about it when I arrived that first day of class. I would tell them to get involved. The easiest way to make great memories with incredible friends in college is to find a common interest, which is what clubs and other organizations will provide. I would tell myself to have fun and party, but to remember you are there to receive an education that will help you with the rest of your lives, so it is very important to study. Additionally, complete many internships, they are your future.

Seth

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the first thing I would tell myself is to put videogames aside and study more!!! During my senior year I got by in my four AP classes only studying a little and even managed to graduate ranked 54th in my class of 539….then made the mistake of assuming that I would be able to do the same thing in college. I’m going into my third year of college this Fall and I’ve learned to put business before pleasure the hard way!! My grades over the past semesters weren’t as high as they should’ve been and I’ve gradually lost different academic scholarships I got when I first entered college. My eyes were opened at the end of this last Spring semester when I just barely passed Physics 2 with a C and passed Calculus 2 after making an F the Fall before. So if could talk to my past self I’d grab him by the shirt and tell him that videogames aren’t going anywhere but the shot at a bright future could go down the drain!!!

Samantha

I would say to not let people's problems influence you. There were a lot of things I didn’t do because I put others before myself when I shouldn’t have. Learn how to study effectively, and not be a procrastinator. Just because it’s an easy class doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise your study skills, or wait until the last minute to do an assignment. I'd also say that friends come and go and that’s ok, don’t compare your college decisions to theirs. What works for them won’t work for you Don’t be afraid to meet new people. It’s harder at a community college, but go for it. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind, put in your opinion, but to do it in an intelligent, and nonoffensive way. I’d say to practice asking questions, because there will be times when questions will come up. The most important thing I’d say is to make sure to tell Mrs. Hargrave how much you appreciate everything she did for you, how positively she influenced you, because she will pass away before you accomplish the goals she helped you realize.

Walid

I would tell myself that high school really matters. In high school I was one of those kids that wouldn’t try and didn’t take life seriously. I would have told myself to take life more seriously. If I did well in high school I could have gotten bright futures scholarship. I could have cut my school expenses in half and allowed myself not to work during college and be able to focus more on school than I can now cause of work. I would tell myself all these teachers aren’t lying to me that grades and GPA’s actually matter. I would tell myself to sit in the front of every class and not worry about being popular and actually study and do what is asked from me. If I can go back in time to my high school days this is what I would be telling myself.

David

For one thing, I would tell myself to really understand Pre-Calculus. If I could know and remember enough about Pre-Calculus prior to the particular math exam I had to take before entering Florida International University, I likely wouldn't have had to take Pre-Calculus a second time upon my first semester of college. I'd also tell my high school senior self to be more open to people around and to get used to that before starting college because in college, one doesn't get to know people or become acquainted with classmates the same way as in high school. I'm sure a more open attitude would help in feeling less awkward.

desmika

If I could go back in time and talk to the senior Desmika,I would tell her to keep up the good work and make sure you have a great gpa going into college along with the SAT and ACT scores.Be prepared to make a lot of decisions on your own,and that includes going to class on time,and being prepapred to take the role of a student athlete because its a great responsiblity.College is full of great experiences such as free give aways,cool clubs,and free printing and tutoring for athletes.There is the down side where you'll have to get a job to hekp pay off your tuition because a scholarship may not give you the 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} coverage,so have a back up such as bright futures and pell grant due to the fact that they can help you a long way.Other than that, I congratulate on making this far and wish yo the best.You'll do great :)

Jessica

I would tell myself to get on facebook less and limit the amount of time I'm watching t.v. Watching television can take too much time away. It's absolutely pointless to waste hours watching people play fake lives, when you could be doing something far more constructive, like studying. In college, I did just that, and I got straight A's for the semester. Second, study!!! Don't just memorize!! I made that mistake in the beginning of my first semester at FIU, and after regurgitating what I learned on the first quiz, I couldn't remember it again for the test. Instead, get to know the material, put the notes in your own words, and look at the subject as an opportunity to become a well rounded educated student. Also, stay true to yourself and remember why you're in school in the first place. You will have people left and right pressuring you to have sex with them or tempting you the night before a test, to go and party with them instead. Always know that the party and the fun will always be there. Keeping balance in mind, make the best of your year!

Stephanie

Take the SAT/ACT and scholarships seriously. Actually visit the campus you want to go to and apply to as many scholarships as you can! Don't wait until senior year for college stuff, junior year is truly the most critical point! Also, don't limit yourself to your state or country. There's plenty of international locations that offer free-schooling and a lifetime of experiences.

Erica

I would tell myself to take advantage of certain options that were given to me.

andrea

If i were so lucky as to have the oportunity to go back in time and be able to talk to myself about what my life will be like in college, I would take hold of that unique opportunity, and informe myself that my college experience will be a very diverse one. It is due to the fact that I have studied in 3 diferent countries ,and have met many diferent people along the way all with something great to offer as a learning experience. and that with dedication and determination my college life will go just the way I have always plan it would go. That it is true, if you read and keep up with the classes and assigments you will always be up to date, and to not worry so much on if i will fit in and enjoy my experience because i am sure to love every minute of it.

Jasmine

The advice I would give to my high school self is to become more independent. In high school, I was such a social butterfly, but here I'm so out of my comfort zone that I don't have many friends. So I would advise my high school self to be independent & to know that it's ok to be alone. I'd also advise my high school self to work harder at getting scholarships. In high school, I thought I would be blessed with so much financial aid but unfortunately, with this horrible economy, financial aid has been reduced. If I would've applied for more scholarships & put a major effort into it, I might not be in such a financial strain.

stacey

The advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would be to stay on top of important deadlines for colleges and to take more time applying for scholarships.

Tyler

First off I would tell my past self to try harder in school. I Didn't have bad grades but could have definetly finished with straight A's if i tried. Also, I would say to notbe so worried about meeting people. College is not like high school where everyone has cliques. Just be yourself and people will like you. From the classes point of view, i would say to just take the basic first year college classes to get adjusted so you are not overwhelmed like I was right off the bat. Overall college is hyped up alot , just be yourself, do your work and concentrate and college will turn out just fine!